rugkant

Rugkant is a term used in rug making to denote the outer edge of a rug, including both the construction of the border and any decorative elements applied to the periphery. The word derives from Dutch rug (carpet) and kant (edge). In traditional hand-knotted and woven rugs, the kant secures the weave and prevents unraveling by binding the edge or integrating a protective selvedge. Finishes include binding with a fabric, leather, or tape; overcasting or whip-stitch securing the edge; and decorative fringe composed of the rug’s warp or pile fibers. In modern, machine-made rugs, the kant is commonly produced by serging or applying a continuous binding tape that is stitched to the rug edge.

The kant affects durability and appearance. A reinforced edge can resist wear better and help preserve the rug’s shape, while the visual treatment ranges from a subtle, nearly invisible border to a pronounced fringe or corded edge that forms part of the design. Variants include bound edges, fringe borders, whip-stitched borders, and corded edges. The choice of kant is influenced by rug material, construction method, desired aesthetics, and price.

See also: carpet, rug, textile finishing, fringe, selvedge.